Eli walked to her room alone. The letters she found were in her arms. She examined the letters one by one for the hundredth time. Seeing the writing, the signature, his name, there was no mistake, the letters did belong to Philip, Eli's father.
Eli and Cathy were left by their parents at a young age. Eli was 5 when their grandma took them in after the traffic accident that took their parents' life. The only thing that reminded her of them was their family photo. Even though she didn't remember them like her sister did, the longing feeling was enough for her to recreate her memories with her parents.
The young witch knew that she's supposed to focus on Freya and she knew she won't find the answer in the letters. Yet she couldn't help herself but wonder what kind of person the father that she could barely remember was. She organized the letters by date and opened up the oldest one.
◇◇◇
To my descendant,
I found a growth journal of a werewolf. Nana told me about her, it seems our family had watched over her for a long time. She's not here anymore so I won't be writing anything about her. Instead I want to write something that my children will read.
I said that but, Jamie's last test turned out negative. Worry not, we're not giving up yet. Well I guess that means you have to call Jamie as mommy. It's quite funny and also ironic to write something to someone yet to exist. But, I want to keep on hoping that our child will one day read this letter. I'll keep quiet about the journal and this letter from Jamie, even though I know that won't last long. Please keep cheering me on, my future child.
Your daddy,
Philip
◇◇◇
"Hahaha... You're more brighter than I remember, dad," Eli said to herself after reading the first letter.
She picked up another one and started to read it.
◇◇◇
To my future first born,
I am so happy when your mommy told me she's pregnant. After 3 years of trying, you finally raise our hope. I guess we are still young parents, but I'm sure it will be nice to have you around.
Your mommy still 3 weeks pregnant, so we don't know if you're going to be a boy or a girl. Mommy Jamie wants a girl, don't tell her but I want a boy. Ah, regardless, whatever you'll be we will always love you, my sweet child.
Just thinking of the next 8 months before you're here with us and the years after that where we spend time together, I can't contain my excitement. Your grandma told me it will be difficult, but worry not I will be prepared for anything. I don't know what I'll be doing when you're reading this or your opinion of me. I hope I can be a father you can be proud of.
Love, dad.
◇◇◇
"Hey are you still helping Freya with the spell?" The oldest child, Caitlyn, barged in Eli's room.
The younger sister panicky tried to hide all the letters under her arms. She turned her head to stop her sister from getting closer.
"Ye-yeah. I've been reading some letters, that I'm sure wouldn't interest you," she said trying to act cool.
"What kind of letter make you cry?" Caitlyn approached her sister and wiped a tear that Eli didn't realize until recently.
Eli hastily wiped her tears making sure it won't be more suspicious than it already was. "N-nothing. Just some old cheesy story."
"Let me take a look," asked Cathy.
"What? No!" replied Eli a bit too blunt. "I mean, it's just a boring story."
"It's fine. Give it to me!" Caitlyn demanded.
The older one grabbed the one on Eli's hand. The witch didn't give in. She held it tight even though Caitlyn kept pulling it. Caitlyn told her sister that she's going to rip it if they continue, but Eli kept being stubborn.
After a few more tugs, the letter riped. Caitlyn was taken aback by the force. Eli's eyes were wide in fear when she saw most of the letter is on Caitlyn's hands. She didn't want her sister to read it, the letter from their father. But it was too late as Caitlyn began to read it word by word.
The reason Eli so opposed of the idea was because it would hurt her sister. Caitlyn had been avoiding every talk about their parents. The reason was simple, she blames herself for their death. She was 8 when it happen. She snuck out to her friend's home one night. Her parents got worried, so the two of them searched for her with their 5 year old. They never got to her because a truck with high speed hit their car from the side and instantly killed the two adults. It was a miracle that Eli survived with just a scratch.
Sure enough, Caitlyn's face changed when she realized the sender. It was a mix of anger, sadness, and regret. Eli reached out for her sister making sure she wasn't having a break down.
"Cathy, are you okay?"
"Seriously... Why didn't you tell me it was from dad?" Caitlyn mentioned while struggling to hold her tears.
"I-I didn't mean to. I thought... " Eli stuttered uncertain.
Caitlyn put on a smile and did her best to not look sad. "I'm fine, silly. It's been years, I tried to not dwell too much on the past," she assured her little sis.
Eli was way too concerned about her sister. She was about to do something, but Caitlyn stopped her. The older one shook her head and approached her instead, confirming she's fine.
"How about we read the rest together? After all, dad would want us to remember his happy memories," suggested Caitlyn.
◇◇◇
"Jamie, I can see her head. Come on, honey, keep pushing. A little bit more."
"ARGHH!!"
The sound of baby's cries were filling the white room. The nurses in charge cleaned up the newborn and warped her in blanket. After finished with her job, the nurse handed the pink baby to the father. He was happily carried his newborn daughter back to her tired mother. The parents' face were filled with joy and delight.
Philip handed his baby back to the nurse for further check up. He stayed with his wife telling her how great she'd been. He followed her as the nurses took her back to her room. In the waiting room, his family was waiting for a great news. After making sure his wife was okay, he met the rest of the family.
"How is it? Are Jamie and the baby okay?" Grandma Rose asked at her son arrival.
"Jamie's fine, she's resting for a while. The doctor is checking up on the baby. We can see her after that," Philip answered.
"Thank God."
"Have you thought of a name for her?" asked his brother, Jimmy.
Philip scratched the back of his neck. "I might have a few suggestion. But, I'll wait for Jamie to decide."
"You're always go along with her wishes, aren't you?" teased Jimmy.
"Not that different with you and Olivia."
"Oh please, my sister in law is more terrifying than my fiancee," joked Jimmy making the other laughed.
"Daddy!" a two year old girl was running along the corridor to the group.
"Cathy, don't run in the hospital!" scolded the lady that was with her.
"Here's my baby girl!" said Philip while pulling Caitlyn in an embrace.
"Where baby sis?" asked the girl excitedly.
"Someone is eager," stated Jimmy.
Philip laughed. "Let's wait for the doctor okay."
The little girl nodded as she made herself comfortable in her father's arms. It was another half an hour before the doctor notified the Reynolds. At the time, Jamie was already awake. She insisted to join them even in a wheelchair, Caitlyn sat on her lap while Philip pushed her.
The doc only let close family in, so Grandma Rose waited outside with Jimmy and Olivia. The nurse inside already prepared the baby to be handed. Philip took his first daughter from his wife so she could hold the baby. The baby was sleeping peacefully in her mother's arms.
"She's beautiful," adored Jamie.
"She's like her mom," added Philip.
"What about me?" cried the oldest not wanting to be left behind.
"Yes, you're also beautiful," said Philip calming the child in his arms.
"Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, have you thought of a name?" asked the nurse.
Philip looked at his wife. They were like having a private mental conversation. After what seems like a certain agreement, the happy parents looked at their newborn and smiled. On the other hand, Caitlyn confusedly looked at her parents, but that didn't matter she's just happy to be a big sister.
"Cathy, I want you to meet your sister, Eleanor Jayden Reynolds," introduced their mother.
"Eli!" Caitlyn squealed without hesitation nicknaming her baby sister.
Caitlyn sudden excitement woke up the baby in tears. The now older sister immediately said sorry and kept her voice down. Their parents were just happy of their new addition to the family. They laughed and tried to calm both girls so no one else cried anything beside happy tears.
Welcome to the world, my sweet daughter, Eli, Jamie thought in her heart.
Your mom might be worried, but I can sense a great amount of magic around you. You'll be doing something amazing in the future because I know you're special, Philip thought while stroking his daughter's tiny head.